Chapter XVI: A Final Reckoning

Guide Max Payne through Chapter XVI, "A Final Reckoning." Learn tactics for the airport assault and defeat the final boss with strategic use of bullet time and.

Welcome to the climactic final chapter, where Max Payne faces his ultimate challenge. This section will guide you through the intense firefights and strategic movements required to bring down the final boss and achieve justice.

The Airport Assault

The chapter begins with Max infiltrating the airport. Expect heavy resistance from heavily armed UFE mercenaries. Your primary objective is to reach the control tower.

• Initial Engagement: As you exit the vehicle, immediately take cover behind the concrete barriers. A group of three UFE soldiers will emerge from the terminal entrance. Prioritize the one with the M4 Carbine.
• Terminal Interior: Advance cautiously into the terminal. There's a small kiosk to your left that offers good cover. Expect at least five more enemies, including one with a Shotgun, patrolling the main hall. Use Bullet Time to clear them efficiently.
• Collectibles: Before proceeding to the escalators, check behind the check-in counters on the far right for a hidden Golden Gun Part (Micro 9mm). There's also a Painkiller bottle on a luggage cart near the central information desk.
• Escalator Ascent: As you ascend the escalators, a new wave of enemies will appear from the upper level. Stay behind cover and pick them off. Be wary of grenades.

Control Tower Infiltration

Reaching the control tower involves navigating several floors of offices and corridors, each swarming with UFE operatives.

• Office Block: The first floor of the office block is a tight-quarters battleground. use doorways and cubicles for cover. A good strategy is to use a Shootdodge into the first office on the left to surprise enemies. You'll find an MPK submachine gun on a desk here.
• Stairwell Ambush: The stairwell leading to the upper floors is heavily guarded. Two snipers with M10 rifles are positioned on the landings above. Take them out first using precise headshots.
• Upper Floors: The upper floors are more open, allowing for longer sightlines. Equip a rifle like the FAL or M4 Carbine for these engagements. Look for a Painkiller in the break room on the third floor.
• Control Room Entrance: As you approach the control room, a heavy armored enemy with a LMG will burst through the door. Use Bullet Time and aim for headshots, or try to flank him if possible.

Final Confrontation: Victor Branco

The final boss battle against Victor Branco takes place on the control tower's rooftop helipad. This is a multi-stage fight that requires patience and tactical awareness.

Phase 1: Helicopter Gunner

• Victor will initially be in a helicopter, operating a mounted machine gun. Your primary goal is to destroy the helicopter.
• Cover is Key: use the various air conditioning units and concrete barriers on the helipad for cover. The helicopter's machine gun fire is devastating.
• Explosive Opportunities: Look for the red explosive barrels scattered around the helipad. Shoot them when the helicopter is in proximity to deal significant damage. There are three barrels: one near the entrance, one by the far edge, and one close to the central structure.
• Weapon Choice: A powerful assault rifle like the FAL or the AK-47 is recommended for sustained fire. Conserve your Bullet Time for critical moments.
• Replenish: There's a small crate near the helipad's entrance containing an M4 Carbine and two Painkillers.

Phase 2: Ground Assault

• Once the helicopter is sufficiently damaged, Victor will crash-land and engage you on foot, accompanied by two elite UFE bodyguards.
• Prioritize Bodyguards: The bodyguards are equipped with Micro 9mms and are very aggressive. Take them out first to reduce incoming damage.
• Victor's Attacks: Victor himself wields a Desert Eagle and will attempt to flank you. He has a higher health pool than regular enemies.
• Environmental Hazards: Be mindful of the helicopter wreckage, which can explode if shot too many times. Use it to your advantage by luring enemies near it.
• Finishing Blow: Once his bodyguards are down, focus all fire on Victor. Use Bullet Time to land precise headshots. When his health is critically low, a cinematic takedown will initiate, concluding the chapter and the game.

Congratulations, you have completed Max Payne 3! Enjoy the ending cutscenes.